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NDOLA Principal resident magistrate Collins Lundah has sentenced former MMD Ndola district vice-information and publicity secretary Alex Mubanga to 18 days imprisonment with hard labour for conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace.
This is in a case Mubanga, 53, popularly known as ‘Shimpundu pa nkoloko’ was charged with conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace, contrary to section 178 (F) of the Penal Code Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.
Particulars of the offence are that Mubanga on August 27, 2011 in Ndola, jointly and whilst acting together with persons unknown, did threaten violence against Patriotic Front (PF) member George Mutale outside Mixed Doubles pub.
Passing the sentence in the Ndola magistrates court yesterday, Mr Lundah said he had thoroughly gone through the facts and found Mubanga guilty. “I have gone through the facts thoroughly and I have found you guilty of the subject offence,” Mr Lundah said.
Mubanga said he did not have anything to add or subtract to the statement of facts when it was read out to him. In mitigation, Mubanga of house number 1091, Lubuto township in Ndola, asked the court for leniency because he is an asthma patient and also suffers from diabetes.
“I have understood the charge and I plead for the courts leniency because I have realised that what I did was wrong and I have since transformed into a better citizen,” Mubanga said.
Mubanga said he has reformed and is remorseful for his actions. He complained that the MMD has abandoned him despite the fact that he is a staunch member of the opposition party.
Mr Lundah said he would be lenient because Mubanga is a first offender who had shown remorse. The sentence runs from October 5, the date on which his bail was revoked after he changed plea, admitting the charge.
POLICE have asked former Minister of Finance and National Planning Situmbeko Musokotwane to provide documentation on the procurement of the 1,230 bicycles confiscated from his house.
Police spokesperson Ndandula Siamana said the police want Dr Musokotwane to provide receipts as proof of purchase to ascertain if the bicycles are private property.
Ms Siamana said in an interview in Lusaka on October 10 that Dr Musokotwane has agreed to produce documents that will prove that the bicycles belong to him and were not procured with public funds.
“We discovered that they were actually 1,230 bicycles which were confiscated from Dr Musokotwane and now we want the documentation which will prove that this is personal property,” Ms Siamana said.
She said the receipts will also help the police determine whether tax was paid on the bicycles and which company supplied them.
Ms Siamana said it is important for the police to get the documentation from Dr Musokotwane as this will also reveal the source of funding for the buying of the bicycles.
“We want the receipts and tax paid which will prove whether the bicycles are personal property or not,” she said.
She said Dr Musokotwane has agreed to provide the police with all the documentation regarding the procurement of the bicycles.
She said when the police complete studying the documents it will further determine whether to hand back the property or not.
Police last Friday confiscated over 1,000 bicycles from the private residence of the former minister.
MINISTER of Foreign Affairs Chishimba Kambwili says Zambia and Malawi enjoy cordial diplomatic relations and has dismissed assertions of souring ties between the two countries.
Mr Kambwili said in an interview on October 10 that it is important for people to differentiate between President Sata’s deportation from Malawi in 2007 and the diplomatic relations between Zambia and Malawi.
“To the contrary, the diplomatic relations between Malawi and Zambia are very cordial. You must appreciate that Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry Bob Sichinga and his team has left for Malawi to attend the COMESA summit and I leave tomorrow (today) at 11:00 hours,” Mr Kambwili said.
He said President Sata would not have sent the Zambian delegation to attend the COMESA summit if the diplomatic ties between the two countries had soured.
Mr Kambwili, however, said President Sata is right to ask for an apology from the Malawian Government for having deported him in 2007.
“There is an issue here which should be resolved between the Malawian Government and His Excellency President Michael Sata and we are asking them to revoke the deportation and furnish us with reasons why he was deported,” Mr Kambwili said.
He said this is a lesson to African countries not to mistreat opposition leaders.
Mr Kambwili said African leaders should learn from developed countries like Britain and the United States which do not mistreat opposition leaders.
He said African leaders should realise that they will not be in their positions forever.
“The President is right to ask for an apology so that the matter can be resolved,” Mr Kambwili said.
The Commission of Inquiry appointed by President Sata to probe corruption allegations into the procurement of oil and petroleum products started sitting in Lusaka yesterday.
Chairperson Wynter Kabimba said the commission was not set up for retribution and will not be prejudicial in executing its mandate.
President Sata recently dissolved the Energy Regulation Board and appointed the commission of inquiry.
President Sata appointed the commission to address what he called corruption in the energy regulation sector. President Sata said that there was too much corruption in the handling of energy in the country, and that the current fuel prices at the time were supposed to be cheaper by more than K500 per litre.
Other members of the commission sitting include Guy Phiri, Chipili Katunasa, Hang’umba Hang’umba, Charles Mushota, and Kelly Mwanamwale.
And Former Chairperson of the disbanded Board of Directors at ERB Sikota Wina said that his team would fully co-operate with the Wynter Kabimba Commission of Inquiry.
Mr. Wina said that the former board members had nothing to hide regarding the operations of the ERB, stating that it was understandable that the new government wanted to clear the air over the performance of the Energy sector.
Dario Bonetti has revealed that he received his dismissal notice through a phone call from Faz boss Kalusha Bwalya.
Bonetti’s 15 month in charge officially ended on Monday after Football House revealed that the Italian would leave by mutual consent.
“I have nothing in writing I was just called on phone by Kalusha,” Bonetti said. “I am still waiting for official documents right now.”
Bonetti added that he was not shocked by the news and was expecting it.
The Italian 15-month reign has seen him preside over 8 victories,3 draws and 4 losses.
Bonetti said he was not bitter to have been dismissed just after securing Zambia’s place at the Gabon/Equatorial Guinea Africa Cup tournament which is three month away and to be held from January 21 to February 12.
“We had the results we were top of the group sometimes the result is not enough too like in this case,” Bonetti said.
Fired Zambia National Soccer Team Coach Dario Bonetti
The Executive Committee of the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) met today in an emergency meeting to review the performance of the national team and have decided fire coach Dario Bonetti
FAZ president Kalusha Bwalya said the decision was taken by mutual consent.
“Though the team has qualified, there’s still more that the team can give.The team has more potential than that,” the FAZ President said
“We will go back to the drawing board, consult with stakeholders and make necessary changes in due course, ” Kalusha added.
However Bonetti has denied that he had agreed to leave. “My intention was to stay here,” he said
“I have done my work very well, I have qualified the team for the Nations Cup. This is a great opportunity for all our players,” he argued. “The people are happy, everything was ok. Obviously I am sorry for what’s happened, but I must accept it,” he said
He talked up his record with Zambia.
“I’m happy and our record in the last 15 games speaks for itself ,one of the best in Africa.I enjoyed working with this team.We contributed positively and We have worked very well. Nobody can discount this.”
“I feel very happy because We worked with very good players and the staff. I want to stay happy and leave with fond memories of my time here.I hope we can close the contract properly.”
Bonetti did say he has enjoyed his time in the country Zambia and thanked the Government and people .
“All the people I met, they are happy and friendly . We were very well received. I want to thank the people of Zambia for their hospitality.
Mini buses are operating out side the Kulima Tower
The Lusaka City Council has taken over the operations of Kulima Tower bus station in Lusaka.
Council Public Relations Officer Henry Kapata says the move is in line with the provisions of the Bus Stations and Markets Act of the Laws of Zambia.
Mr. Kapata says political party cadres smoothly handed over operations to the local authority this morning.
He told ZNBC News Monday morning that plain clothed police officers and council police officers have been deployed to monitor the situation at the station.
Last week Local Government, Housing Early Education and Environmental Protection Minister professor Nkandu Luo directed councils to take over operations of Bus stations and markets.
The Electoral Commission of Zambia has set Thursday November 24 as the date for Parliamentary bye-elections in three constituencies and 35 wards.
The three constituencies include Chongwe where newly elected MMD MP Japhen Mwakalombe resigned and Nakonde where the PF candidate John Siame died before the election.
The other constituency is Magoye where the National Movement for Progress candidate Willie Malambo also died before the September 20 polls.
ECZ Public Relations Manager Cris Akufuna says the Commission has set November one as the date for the filling in of nominations.
Mr Akufuna says aspiring candidates will be required to pay 5-hundred thousand kwacha and that all the candidates should carry with them nine supporters.
He says aspiring candidates who had earlier paid their nomination fees and were validly nominated will not pay the fees except for Chongwe.
Opposition MMD Deputy National Secretary Chembe Nyangu has urged the ruling Patriotic Front (PF) to scrutinize former MMD members joining the ruling party.
Mr. Nyangu says some party members leaving his party have a problem and that they were taking their problems to the ruling party.
Mr. Nyangu who was speaking in an interview in Lusaka says people leaving MMD are no committed and principled members.
“I would like to caution PF that those defecting from the opposition have got problems themselves. Some of them are not genuine MMD members they have got problems and they are taking problems to the ruling party because they know very well that they are problematic themselves. Leaving MMD is not the reason for joining PF,” he said.
He cited the United National Independence Party (UNIP) as one of the parties whose members have remained committed despite the party leaving power about 20 years ago and appealed to MMD members to emulate UNIP.
“Look at UNIP, it has been there for many years but it is still strong. Why can’t our members in MMD emulate UNIP by remaining and support their party,” he said.
Mr. Nyangu, however, says each person has got a democratic right to join any political party of their choice.
The former ruling party has in the past few days suffered major setback as its members continue to defect to the ruling PF.
The Mahtani Group of Companies has disclosed that Finance Bank Zambia will be listed on the Stock Exchange for the benefit of Zambians.
Group Chairman Rajan Mahtani also says the reversal of the sale of Finance Bank has restored confidence in foreign investors wishing to invest in Zambia.
Dr Mahtani says President Michael Sata’s directive to reverse the sale of Finance Bank has proven that he will not allow any injustice to be done to anyone.
He says in a statement to ZNBC News that the regulators deliberately ignored the fact that 40 percent of the Bank is owned by credit Suisse, one of the largest players in the international financial industry.
Dr. Mahtani also says Finance bank was deliberately undervalued and that the restoration process will prove that the bank’s value will be in excess of $200 million within a short time.
Dr. Mahtan sounded a warning to the those owing the bank to settle all their dues in the shortest possible time as their ‘orchestrated schemes’ had failed.
Health Minister Joseph Kasonde has pledged that his ministry will put in place measures that will end unnecessary drug shortages within 90 days.
Dr Kasonde says his Ministry will also engage the private sector in the procurement of drugs so that there is smooth supply of drugs.
The minister was speaking when he featured on a live ZNBC television programme dubbed National Watch.
Dr. Kasonde has observed that public private partnership is key to ensure that there is no shortage of essential drugs in health institutions.
And Dr. Kasonde has said there is need to build capacity among local Doctors to reduce cases of sending people out of the country for specialised treatment.
[ZNBC]
Director of Public Prosecutions Chalwe Mchenga (l)
President Michael Sata is disappointed with media stories attacking the integrity and credibility of the Director of Public Prosecution DPP- Chalwe Mchenga.
The President says he will not allow a situation where people who can not defend themselves are judged in the media.
President Sata says he is not comfortable with stories appearing in the media attacking the integrity and credibility of someone who can not defend himself.
The President says he will not lead the nation on witch hunt and advised people with evidence on Mr. Mchenga to produce it to the Anti Corruption Commission or to him as President.
Speaking at State House Monday morning when he swore in Justice Permanent Secretary Mbolowa Muyaba, Mr Sata said he wants the Ministry of Justice to operate freely without interference from anyone.
The President Sata has also sworn in Deputy Army Commander Major General Topply Lubaya and Charity Mwansa as Permanent Secretary for Lusaka Province.
Labour Deputy Minister Rayford Mbulu has instructed all unionised workers who had downed tools at the Non-Ferrous Mining Company of Africa NFCA in Chambishi to resume normal duties immediately.
This is because the company and the government have resolved their critical concerns including the basic pay for the miners.
Mr. Mbulu says management at NFCA has agreed to pay K2million as basic salary for the lowest paid worker.
He says no worker will also be victimized for protesting to demand improved conditions of service.
He says the workers were not on strike but merely protesting against alleged prolonged oppression.
But the Deputy Minister has wondered why the company has suddenly agreed to increase salaries for its workers when all along NFCA indicated that it was not able.
But NFCA Corporate Affairs Manager Nelson Jilowa says management has no comment on the matter at the moment.
When asked when the management would respond, Mr. Jilowa who attended the Deputy Minister’s press briefing with other NFCA Senior officials told ZNBC News that comment has been reserved.
Meanwhile Mr. Mbulu has directed Scaw Limited in Kitwe to immediately stop casualisation of labour.
He has also instructed Murray and Roberts of Chingola to harmonise salaries for Zambians and expatriates.
He also warned Chambeshi Metals to normalise salaries which were reportedly reduced by forty per cent during the 2008 global recession.
Mr. Mbulu says the Patriotic Front PF government is eager to create an enabling environment for investment
[ZNBC]
File:Some peasant farmers sieving their maize harvest.
The world is heading towards a triple crisis of climate change, depleted natural resources and rocketing food prices. Zambia is amongst the most vulnerable countries, and yet Zambia is highly unprepared to handle the crisis, warns ActionAid.
ActionAid´s new report “On the Brink: Who is best prepared for a climate and hunger crisis?”, released today, warns that as the global population hits 7 billion this month a triple crisis could dwarf the world’s ability to feed them all. Based on new research in 28 poor countries, including Zambia, the report reveals which poor nations are most vulnerable, which nations are prepared for this triple crisis and which are perilously close to the brink. The report states that Zambia is close to the brink. Zambia is ranked number 6 amongst the 10 most vulnerable countries together with DRC, Burundi, South Africa, Haiti, Bangladesh, India, Sierra Leone, Ethiopia and Rwanda.
The ActionAid report shows that Zambia is s highly unprepared due to the country’s lack of effective policies to fight and reduce the high levels of hunger combined with the weak implementation of climate adaptation plans. Several decades of government neglect to agriculture have left small-scale farmers in Zambia struggling without effective extension services or access to fertilisers and seed stock. Lack of access to financial services, transport and markets has further stagnated the country’s agricultural productivity. Zambia faces chronic malnutrition; 43% of the country’s citizens are not getting enough to eat. And more than 45% of children under the age of 5 are stunted due to chronic malnutrition. With dire climate impacts predicted and land degradation and environmental concerns also worsening, things are likely to get worse.
ActionAid International Zambia Country Director Pamela Chisanga says:
“Climate change is one of the biggest challenges that Zambia and the world faces today, the huge negative impacts of climate change are affecting Zambian farmers already today, especially small scale women farmers. However climate changes and their impacts on our agriculture productivity and food production have been politically neglected in Zambia for too long. We urge President Michael Sata and his new government to prioritise climate change and the agriculture sector. Government has to commit itself to implementing climate change adaptations plans, as well as investing in sustainable agricultural projects, which will help the country prevent a hunger crisis.”
The Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS) says that Southern Africa, including Zambia, is highly threatened by multiple climate change. Experts foresee that shorter growing periods due to climate changes will hit the southern Africa area and reliable crop growing days will drop to critical levels, which might make cropping too risky to pursue as a livelihood.
“Zambian natural resources have provided a great boost to our economy in previous years, however the extractive industries together with unsustainable agriculture, soil erosion and forest degradation are great negative contributors to how well we are prepared for a future of depleted natural resources and changing weather patterns, due to climate change. Combined, these negative contributors will be an even greater challenge to our agricultural production. Policies that ensure sustainable productivity and growth are needed today not tomorrow if Zambia wants to secure itself against a climate and hunger crisis. Later this week Zambia and the world celebrates World Food Day and Rural Farmers day, let’s celebrate our farmers by committing ourselves to deliver policies which will help rural communities cope with climate shocks and hunger crisis and not by making empty promises.” says Pamela Chisanga.
ActionAid’s key findings reveal that:
At least 10 countries, accounting for more than 1.5 billion of the world’s population, are highly vulnerable to a climate-related food crisis. Zambia is ranked number 6 out of the ten most vulnerable countries. Overall, climate change could add another half a billion people to those facing chronic hunger around the world by 2050. Every rural community surveyed across Africa, Asia and the Americas said that erratic and extreme weather was crippling their ability to feed themselves.
Unsustainable farming practices and an unprecedented rush from foreign investors to control resources such as minerals, oil, biofuel and water, could leave millions of the poorest people without enough arable land to produce food. In Africa alone, over 6 million hectares of degraded farmland must be regenerated to meet the demand for food from a population set to double by 2050.
A dangerous new era of high food prices is set to push 44 million more people into poverty. The demand for biofuel – produced from wheat, corn, soybean and sugarcane – means that food prices will keep rising unless rich countries find alternative sources of energy.
Brazil scored top of ActionAid’s preparedness survey by announcing US$10 billion to support small scale farms, enshrining the right to food in its constitution and making national plans to climate proof its agriculture. Rwanda has set an ambitious 25 year plan to reverse land and forest degradation. And Malawi is promoting organic fertilisers, building up a nation-wide system of food reserves and drafting a national adaptation plan to help rural communities cope with climate shocks.
ActionAid urges world leaders meeting at next month’s G20 to put the triple crisis at the top of the agenda. It is calling for: greater investment in small farms in poor countries where the majority of poor people’s food is grown; immediate delivery of the climate cash needed to help poor farmers climate-proof their agriculture; binding cuts in rich countries’ carbon emissions; the creation of a system of pan-regional food reserves and the immediate elimination of biofuel targets that are driving land grabs in Africa, Asia and the Americas.
